Introduction:
The prescription of Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFOs) often presents challenges for those lacking
extensive experience, whether in understanding the rationale behind prescription, design, and
alignment, or in effectively communicating these needs between clinical and technical staff.
Additionally, manufacturing KAFOs can be complex, with technical staff sometimes struggling to
grasp various aspects of the process.
Aims:
This course aims to bridge the gap in information exchange between different professional groups
within the industry, addressing challenges stemming from a lack of experience and confidence. By
simplifying the patient journey and technical process, we seek to save time, money, and improve
consistency in practice and outcomes, both clinically and in manufacturing.
Learning Outcomes:
Participants will gain knowledge in the following areas:
1. Physical and biomechanical background relevant to lower limb orthoses and KAFOs more
specifically.
2. Understanding basic presentations and making appropriate design choices.
3. Applying principles of prosthetics science to KAFO design, including underlying rationales.
4. Considering social and health status factors in KAFO prescription.
5. Manipulating Ground Reaction Force (GRF) for optimized outcomes and increased stability.
6. Conducting assessments and making informed prescriptions and component choices.
7. Overview of locked, posterior offset, and optimisable stance stabilised KAFOs.
8. Manual shape capture techniques, including corrections and alignment.
9. Preparation of casts for ease of use by technical staff.
10. Building Line of Progression or anatomical KAFO designs.
11. Efficient preparation time shortcuts for technical and clinical staff.
12. Establishing an auditable trail in cast and orthosis manufacturing.
13. Conducting test fittings and implementing fitting tips and tricks.
14. Appraising existing KAFO designs and measuring outcomes effectively.
Intended Participants:
This course is designed for Technicians and Orthotists, with particular emphasis on the synergy
between Technician and Orthotist teams. Collaborative participation is encouraged to maximize
learning outcomes and practical application. Please note: This course is not available to Students.
Note: please bring shorts and the tools you normally use for negative model capture
(casting).
Faculty:
Dave Buchanan – Technical Director and Consulting Orthotist, Technical Director Becker-UK,
Becker Orthopedic International Consultant, TalarMade Ltd
Venue and website:
TalarMade Ltd, Edinburgh House, Millenium Way, Chesterfield, S41 8ND. https://talarmade.com/
Parking – there is a large car park around the back left of the building. It is free for attendees to use.
Please don’t park at the front of the building.
Date & Time:
Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 June 2024
Registration 08:30 – 09:00am on day 1
Start 09:00am, finish 5:00pm on both days
2-day course ticket includes lunch (30 minutes) and refreshments
Places available:
12 – tickets are available to purchase on our website – https://www.bapo.com/
Ticket Prices:
BAPO Members £435.00 including VAT (£362.50 excluding VAT).
Non-members £600.00 including VAT (£500.00 excluding VAT).
We encourage Orthotist attendees to apply online for reimbursement from OETT (The Orthotic
Education and Training Trust).
Applications can be made on the OETT website at https://www.oett.org.uk/
Requests for reimbursement must include evidence of reflective learning/CPD.
To purchase tickets, please log on to your BAPOnline account and click the KAFO poster it will direct you to the ticketing area.
Not a member? follow the link below and select “Non-Member Events Registration” once registered it will allow you to purchase the ticket. If you have any trouble, please contact enquires@bapo.com
Course description:
